Luxury Watch Dealer Anthony Farrer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison
Anthony Farrer, known as "The Timepiece Gentleman," has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for defrauding clients of over $5.7 million through his Beverly Hills luxury watch consignment business.
In a shocking turn of events, the luxury watch industry has been rocked by the downfall of Anthony Farrer, the man behind "The Timepiece Gentleman," whose lavish lifestyle masked a web of deceit and fraud.
The Rise of "The Timepiece Gentleman"
Anthony Farrer, 36, began his journey in the luxury watch industry in Texas in 2017. He established a business that connected buyers and sellers of high-end timepieces, earning a 5% commission on each sale. His charismatic persona and savvy use of social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram quickly garnered him a significant following, elevating his status in the luxury watch community.
In early 2022, Farrer relocated to Los Angeles, opening a storefront in Beverly Hills and registering his business under the name "The Timepiece Gentleman." This move was accompanied by an increase in his social media presence, where he showcased a lifestyle filled with luxury cars, extravagant trips, and exclusive events.
The Unraveling of a Deceptive Scheme
Despite the glamorous facade, Farrer was orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that defrauded over 40 individuals out of at least $5.7 million. Beginning in November 2022, he engaged in practices that included:
- Misappropriation of Consigned Watches: Clients entrusted Farrer with luxury watches for consignment sales. Instead of selling the watches and remitting the proceeds (minus his commission), Farrer sold the watches and kept the funds for personal use.
- Unauthorized Use of Watches as Loan Collateral: Without clients' knowledge or consent, Farrer used their watches as collateral to secure personal loans, jeopardizing the clients' property.
- Failure to Deliver Purchased Watches: Customers who wired funds to purchase specific watches often received nothing or were sent different watches than agreed upon, some of which belonged to other clients.
These actions funded a lavish lifestyle that included a red Lamborghini, two Ducati motorcycles, luxury residences, and frequent trips to Las Vegas. Farrer's deceitful practices bore similarities to a Ponzi scheme, using new clients' assets to placate existing clients and conceal the misappropriation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
As complaints mounted, law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation. In August 2023, authorities visited "The Timepiece Gentleman" store in Beverly Hills, only to find it closed. Farrer's social media posts during this period depicted him traveling across various states, including South Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Colorado.
In a series of YouTube videos titled "Road to Redemption," Farrer admitted to his fraudulent activities, expressing remorse and acknowledging a debt of $5 million. Despite these admissions, he continued to evade authorities until his arrest on November 7, 2023, at a storage facility in Venice, California.
Farrer pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud in October 2024. On February 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton sentenced him to 70 months (nearly six years) in federal prison. In addition to the prison term, Farrer was ordered to pay restitution to his victims, though the exact amount has yet to be determined.
Impact on the Luxury Watch Community
Farrer's case has sent shockwaves through the luxury watch community, highlighting the vulnerabilities in consignment practices and the potential for fraud. Collectors and sellers are now exercising increased caution, emphasizing the importance of due diligence and verification when engaging in high-value transactions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls in the luxury goods market and underscores the necessity for transparency and trust between dealers and clients.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the luxury lifestyle and financial sectors by following How To Buy Money on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Join our community to access expert insights, exclusive content, and stay ahead in the world of luxury and finance.
🎥 Don’t miss exclusive insights on our YouTube channel: HowToBuyMoney
📸 Follow us on Instagram for real-time updates: @HowToBuyMoney
🎵 Join our TikTok community for bite-sized industry news: @HowToBuyMoney
